Why you need to buy tickets for Hamilton

After being touted as the ‘greatest show of all time’ and welcoming Beyoncé and Lena Dunham as audience members, hip-hop musical Hamilton is finally coming to London. We asked Chicago-based Brit writer Laura Clark, 27, why it blows other shows out of the water

It’s hip-hop, but not as you’d expect it. “Before I saw the show, I knew nothing about Alexander Hamilton. It turns out he was pretty important though. One of the Founding Fathers of the United States, and George Washington’s right-hand man during the American Revolution, his story is one of the most interesting parts of American history – which Hamilton tells through hip-hop. Expect to see some incredible street-dance moves from the period costume-clad cast and historically accurate rap songs. It’s basically the story of America then, told by America now.”

It’s won more awards than the creators can fit on their mantelpiece. “Hamilton has won 11 Tony Awards (including Best Musical) and last year’s Pulitzer Prize for Drama. And when a show has won that many awards you know it’s going to be good. Which it really, really is thanks to the brilliant music by composer Lin-Manuel Miranda and musical director Alex Lacamoire, and amazing choreography from Andy Blankenbuehler – all of whom previously collaborated on award-winning off-Broadway show In The Heights.”

It’s ridiculously relevant right now. “So, it’s fair to say that America is in something of a political pickle at the moment. When I went to see Hamilton, Trump had just won the presidential election and the country was more divided than ever. Which is why Hamilton is so relevant – it references a time when the US was in similar political turmoil during the American Revolution. It’s not afraid to be controversial either – just listen to the song Immigrants (We Get The Job Done) and you’ll see what I mean. Hamilton basically gives you a snapshot into the issues facing modern-day America now that Trump’s at the helm – which is fascinating, regardless of whether you’re American or not.”

Hamilton will show at the Victoria Palace Theatre from 21 November 2017 until 30 June 2018 for its initial run. Tickets go on sale at noon on Monday 30 January; visit hamiltonthemusical.co.uk